About the NDB

The NDB studies outcomes of all rheumatic diseases

The National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases (NDB) is a non-profit research data bank for the study of arthritis and rheumatic conditions.

By rheumatic conditions, we mean rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia, lupus, polymyositis, low back pain, tendonitis, and many other problems - anything that you would see a rheumatologist or joint specialist about.

The NDB project collects data on rheumatic conditions directly from persons who have these problems. (No research data is collected on this site, RheumMD.org.)

The goals of the NDB are to advance knowledge about the causes, outcomes, costs, treatments, and results of treatments related to rheumatic conditions. Another important goal of the NDB project is to stimulate research and study by health professionals by making NDB data available for medical research.

You can help!

We invite you to help with this important research by joining the project. Participants in NDB research complete two questionnaires a year online or through the mail. We ask about how you are doing, which treatments you're using, and important medical events including hospital visits and tests.

There is not cost to you, and all information you provide is confidential. This is not a clinical trial, so there are no medications or treatments as part of your participation. You continue your treatment with you doctor, and just tell us what you're doing and how you're feeling.

You'll be joining about 10,000 people with arthriitis and other rheumatic diseases. We use the informaiton you provide to help improve treatment and diagnosis guidelines. Our research informs healthcare leaders about the effects of arthritis and treatments on topics including drug safety and costs of treatment and living with arthritis.

If you are interested in participating in NDB research please visit the NDB website to learn more and join.